Since we’re three moms here at The Vacation Gals, we cover a lot of family travel. But we’re all firm believers that occasional getaways without the kids is key to mom’s sanity, whether that’s a romantic escape or girlfriend’s getaway. This week, for me, it’s the former. My husband and I — along with a handful of other travel writers and their “plus ones” — are staying at Couples Swept Away in Negril and the newly renovated Couples Tower Isle in Ocho Rios. We’re also touring and dining at the other two properties on the island (Couples Negril and Couples Sans Souci), so we’re getting a great feel for all of these oceanfront resorts.
My husband and I love all-inclusive properties — we’ve been to more than 10 in Mexico, typically with our children. But we’ve never been to one of the “adults only” variety. We wondered about the cheese factor — would there be heart-shaped tubs or goofy “Newlywed Games” by the pool? I’m pleased to say that hokey-ness is decidedly absent at the two properties I’ve seen so far.
Couples Swept Away — named to the elite Conde Nast Traveler Gold List — is classy, but comfortable. Staff is friendly but not at all overbearing — they know most guests come here to escape daily life and re-connect with someone special, so you’re given plenty of private time.
Guests can be as active and involved as they like with group games around the pool, watersports such as sailing, snorkeling and scuba, or the ginormous new 10-acre fitness & sports complex. Truly, if you want to keep up your workout routine on your romantic Jamaica vacation (and not just in the bedroom, ahem), this is the place to book. The athletic complex features an open-air fitness center, loads of classes in a big aerobics room, giant lap pool, squash and racquetball courts.
Spa aficionados will appreciate the gorgeous new spa facility (see photo of the warm plunge pool below) at Swept Away. We loved our Thai meal at the specialty restaurant Lemongrass last night, where entertainment was an R&B singer whose chops absolutely blew us away. (Tonight’s fun on tap: piano bar sing-along and a one-man band around a bonfire!)
I’ll share more details about all of the Couples Resorts in future posts here or perhaps on the Uptake Lodging blog, where I also profile properties. But I wanted to share with The Vacation Gals readers this gem of a hotel brand that caters to couples and provides a lovely oceanfront environment to enjoy that quality time with your loved one. It’s pretty special.
A few favorite photos from the last 24 hours — I’ve got a new DSLR camera, so I’m clumsily attempting some artsy shots!
Steamy, co-ed plunge pool at the Couples Swept Away spa.
Cozy tub-for-two at Couples Swept Away spa treatment room.
Souvenir towels for sale down the beach from Couples Swept Away in Negril.
Making good use of mother nature down the beach from Couples Swept Away in Negril.
Sunset in Negril.
Wow! It does look fantastic! Glad you’re having fun.
Do they have horseback riding there?
Would love to check it out sometime.
YES! And what’s cool w/ Couples Resorts is that horseback riding excursions (and snorkeling and catamaran cruises and scuba diving) are included IN the price of your room rate (at least at Couples Tower Isle…. maybe the other ones). Couples.com has loads of info.
Couples Resorts is my fave for an all-inclusive in Jamaica – they put a lot of money into renovating Tower Isle and it shows! I was there in October and had a great time, although I do have to admit Swept Away is my favorite for the Spa and the beach
@Nancy – in Jamaica, like in Mexico, you can “swim” with the horses after your ride – Rod did that and said it was fun, but I chickened out….but you should try it.
Sigh. Looks glorious! With my in-laws recent move to another state, “couple’s only” is not in my immediate future.
Hubby and I love Couples Swept Away. We’ll be returning for the 4th time in a row this Dec. Great review post. Love the pictures. Everything there is amazing!
[...] cabins and even an expansive, on-site 12-bedroom lodge, I think of this special place as a spot for couples. After all, there are private cabins built just for two in both luxury and budget price categories, [...]
My wife and I loved Couples Negril! Everything really was included and signing up for adventures was easy and not stressful. Well, except making reservations at Otaheite. But even better – NO TIPPING ALLOWED. The staff were so helpful and friendly. We’d go back in a heartbeat.
Hello, I like your site! I shall be back again.
I was looking for this perspective in my research, and I’m glad that today. I hope you don’t mind that I refer for this URL in my own blogging?
Toronto, Canada
Thanks for the insight into Couples Swept Away. We are planning our 25th anniversary and it seems to be the resort we consistently come back to. I think we’ve made up our mind. I’m more drawn to the beachfront veranda suites, but my hubby doesn’t have a preference. It’s all going to be like winning something on the Price is Right lol The garden suites look very appealing too
Can you recommend a specific selection that will guarantee us a beach view, corner unit & TV? lol we’re on vacation and part of that is relaxing late at night with a good movie. Thanks again!
P.S. are you taking applications for a fourth? lol what a wonderful thing!
Ah, re-reading this post brings back such good memories! Sue & Mike, I’d suggest you ask your question on the *very active* Couples Resorts message boards — http://www.couples.com/12sw/index.html
These are folks who visit the properties regularly and might be able to offer some specific tips on what building to book. (I’m traveling right now and can’t refer to the map and other collateral I picked up at the resort).
Honestly, though, no matter where you stay, I bet you’ll love your vacation at Couples Swept Away.
[...] and I stayed at the incredible Couples Tower Isle (with its 2009 $30 million renovation) and Couples Swept Away on Negril earlier this year. We toured both spa facilities, and found them top-notch. But we [...]
Here is the complete article and extension to the TED talk. This entry was posted in Classroom, ELLs, Solutions, TED talks and tagged classroom, plants, TED talks. Bookmark the permalink. ← Top Ten Books for English Language Learners Dinner and a Lesson? → LikeBe the first to like this post. Halloween Party Decorations UK